ADAC signs 7-year contract with GAL

Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) has signed a seven year contract with Global Aerospace Logistics (GAL) to provide civil air navigation services at ADAC’s five airports starting May 1.

The contract, worth in excess of AED 538 million, includes Abu Dhabi International Airport, along with Al Bateen Executive Airport, Al Ain International Airport, Sir Baniyas Island Airport and Delma Island Airport, which collectively handle approximately 200,000 air traffic movements a year. The contract is initially for five years with a possible extension of two years.

Regarding this agreement, H.E. Ali Majed Al Mansoori, Chairman of ADAC, commented: “ADAC is eager to deliver the best air navigation and communication services in line with international best practices from its iconic air traffic control tower, which operates with the best available technologies in air navigation worldwide. Through the new contract with GAL, ADAC is once more guaranteeing safe and efficient journeys for our passengers and airlines. ADAC is also proud to be partnering with another fellow UAE organization, further strengthening the ties between aviation industry leaders.”

A UAE owned and operated company, GAL currently provides all military air navigation services for the UAE Armed Forces across the UAE. This new agreement with ADAC represents a significant expansion into the UAE civil sector that complements the Ras Al Khaimah Airport contract GAL signed in 2012 to provide two years of air navigation services for the RAK International Airport.

GAL´s CEO Brigadier General (Retired) Dr. Hassan Yousuf Al-Awadhi, stated: “Our mission is to provide world-class aerospace services and products by dedicated professionals, in order to support our government and private customers. We aim to become both the UAE’s and the Middle East's provider-of-choice for Air Navigation Services. With a commitment to world class services and training, GAL provides many opportunities to young Emiratis in Air Traffic Control, both in operations and in management. GAL is honored to be trusted by ADAC for its leading expertise and looks forward to working with our customers and partners to meet the exciting challenges of the future.”

GAL was selected after a tender process lasting one year, which included worldwide organizations such as Navtech, Airways’ Newzeland, AENA, Serco, and INWCO. GAL will take over the services from Serco, the outgoing service provider.

Through the new agreement, GAL will be managing the maintenance of the airports’ communications and navigation equipment, services that are critical to create a safe air traffic control environment. For this program, GAL has teamed with LFV Aviation Consulting, a subsidiary of LFV Group, a major European Air Navigation service provider. With a long history and proven track record, the LFV Group is a major European air navigation services provider that has been active in the air traffic services. For the last 30 years, LFV Aviation Consulting has provided such services internationally in 75 countries.

GAL will also be supported, through the provision of educated and trained Emiratis, by Abu Dhabi Polytechnic, which is affiliated with the Institute of Applied Technology. Abu Dhabi Polytechnic recently received academic accreditation from the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research for the Diploma and Higher Diploma in Air Traffic Management.